The situation in the Middle East intensifies as the United States conducts its ninth consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran, following the deaths of American troops in an attack linked to Iranian forces. Iran has vowed that no oil or gas will pass through the Strait of Hormuz as tensions soar, with oil prices surpassing $90 a barrel. The U.S. military has targeted various Iranian assets while Iran retaliates by striking U.S. allies in the region. As both sides continue to exchange blows, experts warn that this could lead to a protracted conflict with no resolution in sight.